Raymond Baccari
Editor-in-Chief
Rhode Island College’s Campus Police recently earned a highly coveted accreditation on Nov. 19 by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). This is RIC Campus Police’s first time getting this accreditation.
“The accreditation process is a proven management model that provides an agency with a framework for the efficient use of resources aimed at improving service delivery and strengthening existing procedures,” Paul MacMillan, regional program manager of CALEA said. “The Rhode Island College Campus Police Department should be proud of this accomplishment and should be recognized for their hard work in adhering to CALEA accreditation standards that represent the most effective practices for law enforcement agencies.”
According to CALEA’s website, there is a multi-step process in order to earn the accreditation that first formed in 1979. The process includes a self-evaluation, a review by the CALEA that contains people who have work and people who currently work in public safety, public comment and then accreditations down the line.
“By complying with accreditation standards, you are ensuring that your agency is providing the
highest level of quality services to the public,” Captain Joseph Acampora said.
In the whole country, only about 5% of police forces have the CALEA accreditation. The accreditation is also recognized not only in the U.S. but also around the world. No other college or university in Rhode Island has achieved this status yet.
“The CALEA accreditation process is a collective effort, and I am extremely proud of the hard work and devotion that the men and [women] of this agency have displayed,” Chief of Campus Police James Mendonca said. “Their commitment to the principles and standards of best practices has transformed our department into an organization that demonstrates a steadfastness to professional excellence in policy and practice. Moreover, the entire accreditation process is a testimonial that we as an agency are willing to hold ourselves accountable to independent evaluation.”
Mendonca previously worked for Central Falls’ Police Department. During his time as chief of police there, Central Falls also received this widely-recognized accreditation, meaning Mendonca has led not only one, but two police departments to earning the status.